Children's Literature

The Pre-K Story Collections are included in each Bridges Pre-K Package.

This collection of stories contains nine beautifully illustrated read-aloud books, each presenting 2–4 mathematically rich stories. The selections feature theme-based counting and numeral recognition, sequencing, shapes and locations, and very early addition and subtraction. Although designed to complement Bridges Pre-K activities, the stories can be enjoyed by all young mathematicians.

The following books are included in this collection:

• All About Apples: Two Apple Counting Stories
• How Does a Pumpkin Grow? & Autumn Counting Rhymes
• All About Shapes
• All About Snowflakes
• Little Mouse's Winter Mysteries & Other Counting Tales
• Teddy Bears Count & Play
• BB’s Bot Shop: Stories with Numbers & Shapes
• Ladybug & Butterfly Counting Stories
• Count & Play with Ducks & Baths

by Elinor J. Pinczes, illustrated by Bonnie Mackain 
Joe wants to march in the parade but every time the lines are uneven, he must stand aside. Determined to solve the problem, Joe rearranges the bugs in his squadron until inspiration and fortitude result in five lines of five -- and Joe fits in at last.

by Steve Jenkins

An informative introduction to the "world records" held by fourteen members of the animal kingdom. Each spread portrays an animal that is the largest, slowest, longest lived. Readers can see the animal's size in relation to something familiar.

by Ann Whitford Paul
In early American times, almost every house had a patchwork quilt, sewn together from hundreds of pieces of fabric. Each quilt was unique, with different combinations of fabrics and colors and a distinct pattern. But who developed these patterns? And what did they mean?

The author's fascinating text describes many of the different quilt patterns, placing each in historical context. From the Anvil to the Zigzag, this is a creative look at a meaningful folk art tradition and an important period in American history.

by Marilyn Burns
Dissatisfied with its shape, a triangle keeps asking the local shapeshifter to add more lines and angles until it doesn't know which side is up.

by Helen Nolan
As children learn about large numbers, counting becomes less practical and understanding these numbers becomes more and more important. In this playful and mathematically sound book, children will develop an understanding of how big, how small, how long and how tall 1,000 really is.

Published by Kids Discover Magazine
Learn about bridge construction from the earliest footbridges to towering suspension bridges. Includes full color photographs and in depth descriptions of bridges from around the world.

June 2004, Volume 14, Issue 6.

by Elinor Pinczes, illustrated by Bonnie MacKain 
An enterprising ant suggests different formations for 100 ants to travel in rows to get to a picnic faster. This simple story told in verse is an excellent way to introduce factors of 100 and to spin off entertaining mathematical activities.

by Joy N. Hulme, illustrated by Carol Schwartz 
From one one-ton whale with one strong tail to ten squirmy squids squirting ten inky trails, colorful sea creatures lead children from simple counting to squaring numbers.

by Marilyn Burns, illustrated by Debbie Tilley
Mr. and Mrs. Comfort are having a family reunion. Mr. Comfort starts cooking up his famous spaghetti and meatballs, while Mrs. Comfort carefully arranges eight tables and 32 chairs so that everyone will have a seat... but the guests arrive with their own seating plans. This book uses wit and humor to draw children into thinking about area and perimeter.